By: Karen WeHunt Harden, Contributing Writer | wharden1950@gmail.com
Frances Mathis walked two miles today putting me to shame. She turned eighty-nine this past December, remains independent, and still drives. In the 1960’s, Frances worked at the Woodruff Hospital. She drew blood, took X-rays, and provided patient care. She graduated from nursing school at forty-nine years of age and retired as a cardiopulmonary rehab nurse. Frances has climbed 14,000-foot mountains with her friends. This past Friday, she hiked four miles at Camp Croft. Frances has been photographed dancing in the rain.
Her greatest advice to me has been, “The solution to brokenness is service.” Frances is the Good Will Ambassador for Wellspring Treasures Thrift Store in Spartanburg, South Carolina. She is the most cheerful member of our team. Always smiling, she volunteers and helps often. She has downsized and donated many lovely, unneeded items to Wellspring for others to treasure.
Frances embodies hospitality. She is always warm, welcoming, and ready to invite you into her home. She enjoys sharing her gluten-free lemon cookies with strong coffee at 2 o’clock every afternoon. She will give you the most comfortable chair with the best view of her garden. Being a bird and squirrel lover, she has many feeders outside her sun porch. The feeders may be seen from several windows at her cozy kitchen table. Frances keeps a clean and tidy home, and her housekeeper only comes once every six weeks to bend over and scrub.
Frances has been on her own for forty-four years. She is fiercely independent, always gracious, and appreciative. Frances’ neighbors are precious and helpful, and often hear her softly say, “Hello Honey!”
Frances’ gentle, sweet soul comforts her friends. Frances confided, “Believers cry, grieve, and have hope. I will pray for you.” Her prayer list is long, and I am thankful to be on it.
Author: Tracy Sanders
